Wii U, codenamed as Project Cafe, is an eighth generation video game console, the successor to the Wii, and Nintendo's sixth home console. It is the first Nintendo console capable of displaying up to 1080p high definition (HD) visuals, and utilizes a more robust online experience than its predecessor. The system's main controller, dubbed the Wii U GamePad, features a 6.2-inch touch screen which can stream content from the console, allowing for playing away from TV, as well as asymmetrical gameplay.

A prototype of the system was revealed at Nintendo's 2011 E3 press conference, and was playable on the show floor. The system is fully backwards compatible with Wii software and accessories. So far, the Wii U has been released in two colors; white for the basic set, which includes the console, GamePad, stylus, an HDMI cable, an AC adapter for the console and the GamePad; and black which is included in the Deluxe Set (known as the Premium Pack in Europe and Japan) which includes everything in the basic set as well as a copy of Nintendo Land, a stand for the GamePad as well as a charging cradle, and the Deluxe Digital Promotion (known as Nintendo Network Premium in Europe and Japan; you receive a $5 eShop code for every $50 you spend). A transparent Wii U was shown in one video of Iwata Asks where the hardware of the Wii U was being discussed; however, itt is not a confirmed color.

Hardware

The CPU is designed by IBM and is described as an "all-new, Power-based microprocessor". The processor is a multi-core design manufactured at 45 nm with an eDRAM cache. Although neither Nintendo nor IBM have revealed detailed specifications, such as the number of cores, clock rate, or cache sizes, references to the chip containing "a lot" of eDRAM and "the same processor technology found in Watson" indicate that the processor shares some characteristics with IBM's POWER7 processor, which powers the Watson computer system and incorporates a large L3 eDRAM cache. The Wii U CPU is produced by IBM at their 300 mm semiconductor manufacturing facility in East Fishkill, New York.

The console features an internal flash memory of either 8 GB (Basic Set) or 32 GB (Deluxe/Premium Set) for downloadable software and save files. It features an SD card slot that supports SDHC cards, and four USB ports (two in the front and two in the back) allowing storage expansion by up to 2 TB.

The system has an HDMI 1.4 out port for HD audio and video, an AV Multi Out port (the same port as the Wii) and a Sensor Bar power port.

Wii U GamePad

The main input device of the Wii U, known as the Wii U GamePad, resembles a tablet with a 6.2 inch, 16:9 touch screen, and is capable of streaming content from the console. The touch screen can be used with a stylus for precision movement, similar to the Nintendo DS family of systems and the Nintendo 3DS; however, due to the size of the screen, one may also use their finger. It has four face buttons (A, B, X, and Y), two clickable analog sticks (Nintendo 3DS-like Circle Pads in the E3 2011 version), four shoulder buttons (L, R, ZL, and ZR), a D-pad, start (+) and select (-) buttons, an NFC (near-field communication) reader/writer, a home button, a TV Control button, and a power button. It features an inner-facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip, a rumble system, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, a rechargeable battery and built-in flash memory to store data.

The TV Control button, when pressed, brings up a menu that allows the GamePad to control most TVs, as well as most set-top boxes. This menu will appear even when the Wii U console is off.

The inner-facing camera can be used to video chat with friends.

Below the directional pad is a small logo, which is the NFC reader/writer. This gives player the ability to use real-world objects, such as cards and figurines, to interact with the game. This is the same technology used in games like the Skylanders series, as well as recent mobile phones. A demonstration of how this technology might be used on Wii U was seen in a leaked concept video for Ubisoft's Rayman Legends.

Wii U Pro Controller

Aside from the GamePad, another new controller has also been revealed, the Wii U Pro Controller. The Pro Controller is a traditional controller, and has the same buttons as the GamePad, but doesn't have a touch screen. It resembles the Wii's Classic Controller Pro, but with added functions such as a power button, and a direct connection to the Wii U as opposed to requiring a Wii Remote.

Backward compatibility

The Wii U is backwards compatible with almost all Wii software and input devices. Unlike the original Wii models, however, the Wii U is not compatible with GameCube games or controllers. However, it is speculated that select GameCube games will be available to download via the Virtual Console.

With the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, a GameCube controller adapter will be available for use with the game and maybe be backwards compatible with a few already released games for the Wii U, however it is still unknown if GameCube games will be released on the virtual console as of yet.

Internet

The Wii U's online system is Nintendo Network. With Nintendo Network, users can play multiplayer games with friends and other players around the world, browse the internet, and purchase games to download. Barring games that require a specific peripheral, both first- and third-party games are offered on a physical disc as well as a digital download beginning at launch, like New Super Mario Bros. 2 on the Nintendo 3DS. Both discs and download codes are available to purchase at major retailers.

Miiverse

Miiverse is Nintendo Network's native social network. The name "Miiverse" is a portmanteau of the words "Mii" and "universe". When a Wii U console is turned on, WaraWara Plaza will be displayed on the TV screen, which includes Miiverse posts as well as announcements. Every Wii U game has its own Miiverse community. Miiverse is currently accessible on the Wii U, computers, and mobile devices, and will come to the Nintendo 3DS as part of the December 2013 update.

Nintendo TVii

Nintendo TVii is a free service that allows users to search for television shows, movies and sports events and displays results from all of the available video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Video, as well as local live television listings. Users can access their Tivo and other DVRs to record shows and keep track of their favorite programs. There is also an advanced version of the TV remote accessed by pressing the TV Control button. The service also connects with Miiverse to allow for realtime social updates from friends and others as they watch shows, movies and live TV.

History

Since the early years of the Wii, some speculated that Nintendo would release an HD version of the console, commonly referred to as Wii HD, since it was the only console of the seventh generation not to feature high-definition (1080p) graphics.

In April 2011, an anonymous source stated that Nintendo was planning on unveiling their next console, Project Café, at E3 of that year. It was also rumored that the system would have HD resolutions, be able to play Wii software, and have a new controller with a built-in high resolution screen. It was also said that the machine was significantly more powerful than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Many claims focused on the new controller, which would feature dual analog sticks, a standard D-pad, two bumpers, two triggers and more. The functionality of the new controller was compared to a Nintendo GameCube controller; other sites compared the controller to an iPad with buttons. They also added that there would be a front-facing camera on the controller, six-axis motion controls, as well as a built-in sensor bar, and would feature a single-touch 6.2-inch touchscreen. The console was also stated to resemble a modernized Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Names for the system, such as the Nintendo Stream, Nintendo Feel, and simply Nintendo, were tossed around.

On April 25, 2011, Nintendo released a statement officially announcing a system to succeed the Wii. They simultaneously announced that it would be released during 2012, and that playable console units would be present at E3 2011, confirming the majority of the rumors. Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata said that the system would "offer something new for home game systems" and would be released in the fiscal year of 2012. The prototype version of the console was unveiled at the event as promised, though Nintendo's stock fell almost 10 percent that day, with analysts not believing that the Wii U's controller was as innovative as the Wii Remote.

On October 28, 2011, Gamespot released info that Nintendo will have the final layout for the Wii U at E3 2012. They also stated that the Wii U will be cross-platform compatible with certain titles alongside the Nintendo 3DS. Certain titles have been confirmed, including a then-untitled Super Smash Bros. project.[2]

On January 26, 2012, Nintendo president Iwata told investors that the Wii U will be launched by the 2012 year end shopping season in all major regions.

On September 13, 2012, Nintendo announced the release date and price information.

On November 18, 2012, Wii U in America was released. COO and President of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aime was in New York to start the countdown of the Wii U release.

On November 30, 2012, Wii U was released in UK and Australia.

In January 2015, Nintendo announced it was exiting the Brazilian market.